Firstline Evaluation Report

This document describes an evaluation of the Firstline leadership development program, designed to enhance the skills of first line managers in children and families social work. The program's goal is to elevate good managers to high-performing leaders through components like residential modules and personalized advisory support. The evaluation used qualitative methods such as interviews and observations to gauge participant experiences, program effectiveness, and its influence on local authorities. Results showed that participants reported improved leadership skills and practice, with some positive changes in organizational culture. However, challenges like sustaining progress and perceptions of elitism were noted. The program is recommended for broader implementation and ongoing assessment, with a focus on clear objectives and local support. The evaluation of the program's prototype phase also identified barriers to scaling, such as managerial turnover, and suggested improvements like extending the program's duration and involving line managers in future evaluations. The Firstline program's unique approach to leadership development and potential for sustainable impact on social work practice were highlighted, with a recommendation to protect its intellectual property. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Education (DfE)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Focus groups or group interviews; Individual interviews; Qualitative observational studies
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: January 2017

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes